General News

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24366, 19 September 1944, Page 4

General News

■ : Light Fall of Snow Snow to the depth of three or four inches lay in the Methven township early yesterday, and in the Mayfield and Springburn districts lighter falls were experienced. There was also a light fall in Ashburton. Late on Sunday snow fell in North Canterbury, but on the fiat it was light and the weather had not been rough. The fair would have little effect on lambing, which was practically over on the flat land, and one farmer reported to “The Press” that out of a total expected lambing of 800 he had lost only six because of the weather. Presumed Dead, Now Safe and Well After being posted missing on operations almost a year ago, and later officially presumed to be dead, Flying Officer J. E. Mortimer, the elder son of Mr Edward Mortimer, of Herne Bay, has been located, and has reached the United Kingdom. The first indication given to his father that his son was safe came from an officer of _ the Air Department, who called at his home. This was later confirmed, and the father‘has received a cablegram from his son in England, saying that he is well and safe. No details are available of how he was located. —(P.A.) Daffodil Sunday A decision to hold Daffodil Sunday on October 1 was made by the Christchurch Domains Board yesterday. Mr. H., Kitson (chairman of the gardens and parks committee) said that it was originally to be recommended that it be held on September 24, but many of the daffodils would not be in bloom at that time. “We have had Daffodil Sunday as early as September 17, so it can be said that the season this year is at least three weeks late,” he said. Local Body Elections The election for the Christchurch Tramway and Drainage Boards will take place on Saturday, November 25. It was reported to the Tramway Board yesterday that the attempt to have the election changed from the day of the New Zealand Cup race meeting had been unsuccessful, and so arrangements would be made to ' have two polling booths at the racecourse. Thefts from Jewellers Shortage of staff was the reason given yesterday to the Industrial Manpower Committee, by the manager of Watson’s, “Jewellers," Ltd. (Mr. A. E. Small), for the increasing amount of goods being stolen from the firm. There had been more goods stolen during the last 12 months than ever before, said Mr Small, Goods which had been shown to a customer were not always put away again immediately, as had been customary when there were enough assistants to attend to the customers. Goods left on the counters could easily be removed. Tunnel Road Scheme The Tunnel road Promotion Committee decided yesterday to link up with the development and expansion committee of the Christchurch City Council. Messrs V. E. Hamilton and W. S. Mac Gibbon were appointed as the committee’s representatives on the development and expansion committee, which had indicated its interest in, and support of, the tunnel road scheme, and had invited the committee to link up with it. The committee decided also to seek an opportunity for a deputation to wait upon the Minister of Works (the Hon. R. Semple). The Minister, who was to have visited Christchurch next week-end, has promised to meet a deputation representing the Tunnel Road Promotion Committee and the development and expansion committee when he next comes to Christchurch, Biuiiness of the House The House of Representatives will probably continue consideration of departmental estimates to-day. Among the votes which may come before members is that for the Organisation for National Development; about which not a great deal of information has yet been given. It is likely to attract Opposition attention, although the actual amount to be voted is small.— (F.0.P.R.) Boring for Oil on Coast The New Zealand Petroleum Company’s No. 1 bore at No Town has reached a depth of 6735 ft, an increase of only 2ft in the last fortnight, compared with a gain of 445 ft in the previous fortnight. A bulletin issued yesterday stated that at 6733 ft circulation was lost, and attempts are,now being made to recover it. Gift to University College Advice of the gift of a sum of approximately £16,000 toward the foundation of a chair of physiology or ana*tomy, as part of a school of medicine, at Auckland University College, was received by the college council yesterday. The gift was made from the estate of Mr William White Phillipps, a retired farmer, of Helensville. The president, Mr W. H. Cocker, said the estate was to accumulate until the chair was established, then the income of the trust was to be paid to the college council. If- no such chair were established, the income would be made available for medical scholarships.— (P.A.) Horse Riders In Hagley Park Damage done by horse riders to Sis and fairways of the Hagley Golf was mentioned at a meeting of the Christchurch Domains Board yesterday, when Mr H. Kitson (chairman of the gardens and parks committee) reported that the club had drawn attention to,the matter, and that the Riccarton police had undertaken to make investigations. Authority had been given to warn offenders and, if necessary, make a prosecution. This has been going on for some time, and riders have been seen actually riding over the greens and cutting them up. The committee agrees that some action should be 1 taken," said Mr Kitson. Site for Health Camp The visit to Auckland of the Minister of Health (the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) is connected with the search for a suitable military camp to provide a children’s seaside health camp. This was revealed yesterday morning by the Minister, who said that he had several excellent sites in view. What he was looking for was one , pr ° v ™ ing accommodation for upwards of 200 children. The Minister said that the King George V Memorial Trust Fund Board had also under consideration the construction of an inland health camp for children needing such conditions at either Taupo or Rotorua.' The actual site to be selected would probably be announced after the next meeting of the board. —(P.A.) Wallsend Mine The Wallsend State mine, which was idle on Thursday and Friday, did not resume yesterday as expected. Further trouble was experienced with the operation of the cage and the emergency shaft.